Is no exhalation thru the mask vent OK?

TANSTAF1 · Post by **TANSTAF1** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:25 pm

I have a Fisher Paykel HC 405. It has an oblong exhaust vent just aft of the elbow connection for the hose. Usually I can feel my breath coming out through the filtered vent (if I put my hand in front of it). But two nights now I woke up for some reason and could not feel air coming out around the mask, nor thru this vent. My breath must be going back down through the hose to the CPAP. I have a Remstar with C-Flex at a 10 setting. I have had the mask for about two - three weeks and yes I have cleaned it but not the filter as the instructions say those last for months. The fibrous filter does have black spots aligned with the vent holes.

Is this normal for when the machine has aligned it self with my breathing cycle?

I assume when it starts up (I do not use the ramp up) that there may be more resistance to my exhaling until the machine adjusts itself to my breathing. More resistance (the CPAP still pushing air at me through the vent) would act to block my exhaled breath from going back down the hose and would force it out this exhaust vent.

Does my exhaled breath need to go out this vent so I do not re-breath CO2?

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:27 pm

No, that is not normal! There should definitely be air coming out of the exhaust vent. If it's not coming, as you said, you're rebreathing CO2. Are you certain that's the place where the exhaust vent is (check your mask's manual)? If so, and you're positive there's no air coming out there, there's something very, very wrong.

bbeck4x4 · Post by **bbeck4x4** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:34 pm

a sure way to test it would be to take a match, light it, then blow it out so you get smoke, put you mask on and watch the smoke to see if there really is air coming out of the exhalation ports, my guess is that there is, and you are starting to get used to the feeling of the air pressure from the machine, even now after close to 11 months on cpap, I have to pull the mask away from my face to tell if the air is coming out, BTW the filters on that mask are replaceable and may be cleanable, I am not sure on that though.

Brian
edited to ask, what is your cflex setting on?

_______________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

Doodeedoo · Post by **Doodeedoo** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:00 pm

There should definitely something coming out through the exhaust vent.

The F&P405 has a filter where the exhaust is located. Make sure that the filter is clean or replace it. The mask comes with several of these so they can be replaced.

Doodeedoo